EP1748910B1 - System for locking a roof which can be folded into a plurality of elements, and corresponding vehicle - Google Patents

System for locking a roof which can be folded into a plurality of elements, and corresponding vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1748910B1
EP1748910B1 EP05772909A EP05772909A EP1748910B1 EP 1748910 B1 EP1748910 B1 EP 1748910B1 EP 05772909 A EP05772909 A EP 05772909A EP 05772909 A EP05772909 A EP 05772909A EP 1748910 B1 EP1748910 B1 EP 1748910B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
roof
axis
elements
locking means
locking
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
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EP05772909A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1748910A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Queveau
Paul Queveau
Jean-Marc Guillez
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Heuliez SAS
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Heuliez SAS
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Publication of EP1748910A1 publication Critical patent/EP1748910A1/en
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Publication of EP1748910B1 publication Critical patent/EP1748910B1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/185—Locking arrangements
    • B60J7/19—Locking arrangements for rigid panels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/185—Locking arrangements
    • B60J7/1855—Locking arrangements for locking or immobilising roof elements when stored

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a roof comprising several folding elements, for a convertible vehicle, the vehicle itself, the locking system of the roof elements together and at least some of these elements vis-à-vis the structural frame of the vehicle in the folded open (tidy) cases of the roof, as well as the way to reversibly lock the roof in its closed states above the passenger compartment of the vehicle and open, folded.
  • an object of the invention is to simplify and improve the locking and / or centering or wedging of the roof in both closed and open position of this roof, in the case of a convertible vehicle, such as for example a cabriolet.
  • the invention is aimed particularly at the known roof of FR-A-2805218 , document on which the preamble of claim 1 is based.
  • An object of the invention is also to ensure accurate relative positioning of the roof elements to promote the continuity of the body lines of the roof and its structural rigidity.
  • the invention provides for the realization of such a roof or a locking system for this folding roof in the said convertible vehicle, the roof comprising a front element rigid hingedly connected to a rigid rear central element having a rear end adapted to be hingedly connected to a structural frame of the vehicle, said front and rear central roof elements having a longitudinal direction and each a transverse edge front and rear transverse edges which are longitudinally opposite, said front and rear central roof elements being movable between a first deployed relative position in which the rear transverse edge of the front roof element and the front transverse edge of the front element.
  • rear central roof substantially come into contact and a second folded relative position in which they are folded towards each other, the rear central element of the roof being connected laterally, on either side of its longitudinal direction, to two rigid rear roof side members by displacement means allowing said rigid rear side members to deviate from a contact surface of the rear central member during a movement of the roof from its first to its second position, characterized in that a front edge of each of the roof side members comprises locking means which cooperate with m complementary movable means arranged rearwardly of the front roof element, so as to lock each roof side element with the front roof element in rotation, about an axis X substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the front roof element when it is in its first position and in translation along an axis Z which belongs to a substantially vertical plane and is substantially perpendicular to the axis X.
  • the locking around the aforementioned X axis advantageously comprises two coaxial locking elements disposed substantially parallel to the Z axis and at a distance from one another.
  • the front roof element be articulated on arms. disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, each of the arms being articulated on the structural frame of the vehicle, and comprising locking means which cooperate with said complementary movable locking means of the front roof element , so as to lock each of these arms substantially along the axis Z.
  • the means or movable organs combine several functions: positioning, locking and possible placing under stress of the arms (reduction of the movements of beat or vibration of the roof).
  • the movable means further block the deformable parallelogram which is typically formed by the joints and the roof and is immobilized both in its closed positions above the cockpit and open.
  • the means for locking the lateral roof elements, and advantageously arms when the roof is installed on the vehicle comprise rods which respectively extend along the Z axis and a Y axis perpendicular to the vertical plane. the rods being housed in the locked position between teeth of the complementary mobile means.
  • a convertible vehicle 30 that is to say discoverable, comprising a structural frame 31 also called chassis or body and a roof 32 retractable here in the trunk 10 of the vehicle.
  • the movable roof 32 comprises a rigid front element 1 hingedly connected to a rigid rear central element 11. Its rear end is connected to the frame 31.
  • the two roof elements 1 and 11 are movable between a deployed relative position shown in FIG. solid line on the figure 1 in which they cover the passenger compartment 33 of the vehicle and a relative position folded (mixed lines, figure 1 ) in which these two elements are here folded one on the other inside the trunk 10 in a position substantially parallel to the cover or cover 7 of the trunk.
  • the roof front element 1 is connected to its rear edge and articulated along the transverse horizontal axis 4 to each rear side element 2 whose rear end is itself hinged parallel to the frame 31, 3.
  • the displacement of the roof elements 1, 2 between their open and closed positions is controlled by means of an arm 5 articulated to the frame at 6 and to the front element around the transverse axis 9.
  • the pivoting of the arm 5 is controlled for example by a motor connected to the axis 3.
  • the joints 4, 9, 6, 3 form a deformable parallelogram.
  • the rear central element 11 is articulated to the frame 31 along a horizontal axis 3 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 34 of the vehicle.
  • the lateral elements 2 each carry at their lower end a fixed lug 12 whose end is pivotally mounted on the axis 3.
  • the rear edge of the front element 1 carries laterally, at its corresponding lower end, a finger 16 forming a lever relative to the horizontal axis 15 during the rotation of the roof front element 1 vis-à-vis the rear central element 11.
  • the finger 16 is engaged in a light of the elements 2 which is elongated substantially in the direction of the lower edge 2a of the lateral element 2 concerned, this finger 16 acting on the element to rotate it around the horizontal axis 3, when the roof must return, here to the trunk, to be opened.
  • a horizontal axis 20 secured to the rear central element 11 allows the articulation of a link 19 articulated at its other end (horizontal axis 21, figure 1 ) on the corresponding rear side element 2 (left or right of the axis 24, given the planned symmetry of embodiment).
  • the rear edge of the front roof element 1 carries laterally, on one side and the other, a lever 14 whose one end is articulated to the front element 1 near the rear edge and the outer surface of the latter and whose other end is articulated to the rear element 2, near the front edge and the inner surface thereof.
  • the other end 14a of the lever 14 carries the hinge pin 16 which is thus engaged in the aforementioned light substantially in the direction of the lower edge 2a of the rear member 2 to guide the movement of said finger during the pivoting of this element back 2 to its folded open position.
  • the rear element 11 of the roof can here be considered as a rear window lined laterally (in the closed position of the roof) by the two lateral elements 2 which then form a custode.
  • the rear window 11 can occupy all the space between the two lateral elements 2.
  • the rear edge 11d of the rear window 11 carries laterally on either side of the axis 34, a fixed tab 13 whose end is pivotally mounted on the horizontal axis 3 ( figure 3 ).
  • the displacement means allow the rear side members 2 to separate each of the corresponding contact surface, identified 11a or 11b on the figure 2 of the rear central element 11, during the movement of the roof from its closed position to its open position.
  • a front edge 42 of each lateral roof element 2 (one imagines the symmetry with respect to the median longitudinal axis 34 of the vehicle from the figure 4 ) comprises locking means 43 which cooperate with rearwardly movable complementary means 45 (ARR) of the front roof element 1, in order to lock each roof side element 2 with the front roof element 1, this in rotation about an axis X when the roof element 1 is in its closed position of the figure 4 and in translation along an axis Z which belongs to a substantially vertical plane and is substantially perpendicular to X.
  • ARR rearwardly movable complementary means 45
  • the X axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 46 of the roof element 1 at the location of its rear transverse edge 1a, the inclination relative to the horizontal (and therefore to the longitudinal axis 34 of the vehicle) being a function of the curvature of the roof element 1 at the point of its connection with the rear element 2, in this closed position of the roof.
  • the longitudinal direction 46 is also that of the rear central roof element 11, given the connection line between the elements 1 and 11 roof.
  • the direction of the Z axis is generally perpendicular to the X axis and that this Z axis belongs to a "substantially" vertical plane, given the forms currently given to cabriolets.
  • the angle ⁇ of the figure 4 could be much more marked, while of course being able to be null.
  • the locking system 43 comprises two coaxial locking fingers 43a, 43b (see FIG. figure 6 for more detail) extending parallel to the axis Z and spaced apart from each other in this direction, leaving therebetween an intermediate space 47.
  • a support member 49 here a U-shaped bracket fixed inside each rear roof side element 2, on either side of the longitudinal axis, with the opening of the U directed forward (AVT) and the two branches 49a, 49b, respectively upper and lower, arranged here parallel to or following the Z direction, although a non-zero angle could exist if the slope break between the elements 1 and 2 was more marked than in the illustrated example.
  • Each arm 5 (we imagine the embodiment always by symmetry on the other side of the median longitudinal axis 34), comprises a locking member 51 which therefore cooperates with the movable locking member 45 of the front roof element 1 , so as to lock each of said arms 5, along the Z axis, as seen on the figures 4 (partially) and 5.
  • the locking members of both side roof members 2 are rods which extend respectively along the Z axis. and a horizontal axis Y (see figure 5 ) perpendicular to the aforementioned axes X and Z, said rods 43a, 43b and 51 being housed in the locked position of Figures 4 and 5 between teeth (see partially on Figures 4 and 5 and more in detail on the figure 7 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d of the mobile complementary member 45.
  • this mobile complementary member 45 it can be seen on the figure 4 it is connected by a horizontal hinge 55 to an elongated arm 149 extending inside the front element of the roof 1.
  • the two bars 149 on either side of the axis 34, controlled in translation generally along the longitudinal direction of the roof element 1, by at least one actuator 151 (motor or electro-hydraulic unit) of which the output shaft 153 are each displaced by a rod 154, via an angle gear 155, under the control of the output shaft 153 of the actuator 151.
  • actuator 151 motor or electro-hydraulic unit
  • the roof front element 1 has a locking hook 133a.
  • This movable member engages in the locked position of the figure 4 a fixed complementary member 141a extending horizontally and fixed to a block 147 belonging to a rigid element of the structural frame close to the windshield 130.
  • the carrier element 137a is an upper transverse cross member of the windshield bay.
  • the member 141a may consist of a hoop and defines in any case a keeper for the movable locking hook 133a.
  • the roof element 1 further comprises support members and / or centering which here consist of bars 143a terminated by centering balls coming to rest on cradles such as 145a.
  • Each cradle is here made in the upper surface of a block 147, at an elevation level located above the level of the hook 133a corresponding.
  • the roof element 1 will be in the locked locked position of the figure 4 , held upwardly by the hooks 133a and downwardly by the support of the support / centering means 143a resting on their cradle reception.
  • the operation of the hooks 133a is effected by means of a lever system such as 159a articulated on the corresponding arm 149.
  • the locking at the front, via the hooks 133a and at the rear, via the locking means 43 and the movable members 45, is performed in a coordinated manner, and preferably concomitantly.
  • each of the movable members 45 complementary to the cross formed by the combined rods 43a, 43b, 51 thus comprise four teeth 53a, ... 53d separated in pairs by slots, such as 57 for one of her on the figure 5 and which form between them a cross.
  • tooth 53a which extends along a longitudinal axis (see figure 4 ) also participates in locking in translation along the Z axis of the lateral roof element 2 concerned, coming to be housed in a cavity 59 made towards the front end of this element 2, so close to its transverse edge 42.
  • each bracket 49 By its connecting section 49c, the bracket 49 is fixed to an element of the frame 31 (see figure 8 ) forwardly, so in front of the corresponding movable member 45, each bracket 49 has a fixed locking cross 143.
  • the two vertical branches 143a, 143b of the cross 143 thus extend in a direction parallel to the Z axis and are fixed at their end respectively high and low to the branches 49a and 49b, respectively.
  • the two transverse branches 143c 143d of the cross 143 are interrupted substantially to the right of the lateral edges of the central section 49c of the angle 49.
  • the roof front element 1 will be brought, in particular by its lateral arms 5, into its folded position of the figure 8 each / the actuator 151 having placed the movable members 133a and 45 in their retracted state to let the roof engage between the fixed elements 147 and 49, at the front and rear.
  • the actuators 151 will extend longitudinally the movable locking means of the element 1, so as to perform the front hooking by means of 133a lock and the rear locking by the axial translation of the member 45 whose teeth will engage in the four spaces left free between the bars of the fixed cross 143 (arrow V of the figure 8 ).
  • the cover 7 can be closed, by rotation about its transverse rear axis 7a of course placed so as to leave the roof a sufficient space to enter and exit the trunk, even if other vehicles that a vehicle with a trunk can be concerned by the invention.
  • bracket 49 with its locking fingers 43a, 43b of the figure 6 could be replaced by the angle with the fixed cross 143 of the figure 9 , the side branch 143d being shortened or removed to let the transverse rod 51 fit between the teeth of the member 45.
  • each hook 133a has an opening facing upwards. All the orientations for the openings are however possible, provided that they are turned towards the centering and / or support means 143a, for blocking upwards and downwards (or vice versa) of the element 1, respectively , in the locked locked position of the figure 4 . Blocking the element 1 advantageously slightly under tension, longitudinally, is then also recommended.
  • the locking and support / centering of the roof presented above being typically split on either side of the median longitudinal axis 34, the controls and locking mechanism could be separated on either side of this axis (several actuators 151, rods 149 ).
  • Other types of control devices may also be envisaged, such as traction / push cable devices.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
  • Seal Device For Vehicle (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for locking a roof which can be folded into a plurality of elements, for a convertible vehicle. The rear central element of the roof is laterally connected to two rigid rear lateral roof elements (2) which move away from the rear central element (11) during a movement of the roof from the first position to the second position thereof. A front edge (42) of each of the lateral roof elements (2) comprises locking means (43, 43a) which co-operate with complementary mobile means (45) arranged towards the rear of the front roof element, in such a way as to lock each lateral roof element to the front roof element (1), when the roof is closed, in rotation about an X axis which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the front roof element, and in translation following a z axis which is located in an essentially vertical plane and is essentially perpendicular to the axis X.

Description

L'invention concerne un toit comprenant plusieurs éléments repliables, pour un véhicule convertible, le véhicule en lui-même, le système de verrouillage des éléments de toit entre eux et certains au moins de ces éléments vis-à-vis du bâti structurel du véhicule dans les cas ouvert replié (rangé) du toit, ainsi que la manière de verrouiller de façon réversible le toit dans ses états fermé au dessus de l'habitacle du véhicule et ouvert, replié.The invention relates to a roof comprising several folding elements, for a convertible vehicle, the vehicle itself, the locking system of the roof elements together and at least some of these elements vis-à-vis the structural frame of the vehicle in the folded open (tidy) cases of the roof, as well as the way to reversibly lock the roof in its closed states above the passenger compartment of the vehicle and open, folded.

Plus précisément, un objet de l'invention est de simplifier et améliorer le verrouillage et/ou le centrage ou le calage du toit en position tant fermée qu'ouverte de ce toit, dans le cas d'un véhicule convertible, tel par exemple qu'un cabriolet. L'invention vise particulièrement le toit connu de FR-A-2805218 , document sur lequel est basé le préambule de la revendication 1.More specifically, an object of the invention is to simplify and improve the locking and / or centering or wedging of the roof in both closed and open position of this roof, in the case of a convertible vehicle, such as for example a cabriolet. The invention is aimed particularly at the known roof of FR-A-2805218 , document on which the preamble of claim 1 is based.

Un but de l'invention est également d'assurer un positionnement relatif précis des éléments de toit pour favoriser la continuité des lignes de carrosserie de ce toit et sa rigidité structurelle.An object of the invention is also to ensure accurate relative positioning of the roof elements to promote the continuity of the body lines of the roof and its structural rigidity.

Pour aller dans le sens de la satisfaction de tout ou partie de ces objectifs, l'invention prévoit la réalisation d'un tel toit ou d'un système de verrouillage pour ce toit repliable dans le dit véhicule convertible, le toit comportant un élément avant rigide relié de façon articulé à un élément central arrière rigide présentant une extrémité arrière adaptée pour être relié de façon articulé à un bâti structurel du véhicule, lesdits éléments avant et central arrière de toit présentant une direction longitudinale et chacun un bord transversal avant et un bord transversal arrière qui sont longitudinalement opposés, lesdits éléments de toit avant et central arrière étant mobiles entre une première position relative déployée dans laquelle le bord transversal arrière de l'élément de toit avant et le bord transversal avant de l'élément de toit central arrière viennent sensiblement en contact et une deuxième position relative repliée dans laquelle ils sont repliés l'un vers l'autre, l'élément central arrière du toit étant relié latéralement, de part et d'autre de sa direction longitudinale, à deux éléments latéraux arrière rigides de toit par des moyens de déplacement permettant à ces éléments latéraux arrière rigides de s'écarter d'une surface de contact de l'élément central arrière lors d'un mouvement du toit de sa première vers sa seconde position, caractérisé en ce qu'un bord avant de chacun des éléments latéraux de toit comprend des moyens de verrouillage qui coopèrent avec des moyens complémentaires mobiles disposés vers l'arrière de l'élément de toit avant, de sorte à verrouiller chaque élément latéral de toit avec l'élément de toit avant en rotation, autour d'un axe X sensiblement parallèle à la direction longitudinale de l'élément de toit avant lorsqu'il est dans sa première position et en translation suivant un axe Z qui appartient à un plan sensiblement vertical et est sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe X.To achieve the satisfaction of all or part of these objectives, the invention provides for the realization of such a roof or a locking system for this folding roof in the said convertible vehicle, the roof comprising a front element rigid hingedly connected to a rigid rear central element having a rear end adapted to be hingedly connected to a structural frame of the vehicle, said front and rear central roof elements having a longitudinal direction and each a transverse edge front and rear transverse edges which are longitudinally opposite, said front and rear central roof elements being movable between a first deployed relative position in which the rear transverse edge of the front roof element and the front transverse edge of the front element. rear central roof substantially come into contact and a second folded relative position in which they are folded towards each other, the rear central element of the roof being connected laterally, on either side of its longitudinal direction, to two rigid rear roof side members by displacement means allowing said rigid rear side members to deviate from a contact surface of the rear central member during a movement of the roof from its first to its second position, characterized in that a front edge of each of the roof side members comprises locking means which cooperate with m complementary movable means arranged rearwardly of the front roof element, so as to lock each roof side element with the front roof element in rotation, about an axis X substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the front roof element when it is in its first position and in translation along an axis Z which belongs to a substantially vertical plane and is substantially perpendicular to the axis X.

On conseille également, dans ce contexte, que le verrouillage autour de l'axe X précité comprenne avantageusement deux éléments coaxiaux de verrouillage disposés sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe Z et à distance l'un de l'autre.It is also advisable, in this context, that the locking around the aforementioned X axis advantageously comprises two coaxial locking elements disposed substantially parallel to the Z axis and at a distance from one another.

Pour favoriser un système de manoeuvre et de verrouillage mécaniquement performant, relativement simple, fiable et allant dans le sens de la satisfaction d'une partie au moins des buts précédents, on conseille par ailleurs que l'élément de toit avant soit articulé sur des bras disposés de part et d'autre de l'axe longitudinal du véhicule, chacun des bras étant articulé sur le bâti structurel de ce véhicule, et comprenant des moyens de verrouillage qui coopèrent avec lesdits moyens complémentaires de verrouillage mobile de l'élément de toit avant, de manière à verrouiller chacun de ces bras sensiblement suivant l'axe Z.In order to favor a mechanically efficient, relatively simple and reliable locking and maneuvering system in the sense of satisfying at least some of the foregoing purposes, it is furthermore recommended that the front roof element be articulated on arms. disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, each of the arms being articulated on the structural frame of the vehicle, and comprising locking means which cooperate with said complementary movable locking means of the front roof element , so as to lock each of these arms substantially along the axis Z.

A noter alors un avantage de simplicité : les moyens ou organes mobiles combinent plusieurs fonctions : positionnement, verrouillage et mise éventuelle sous contrainte des bras (réduction des mouvements de battement ou de vibration du toit). Les moyens mobiles bloquent en outre le parallélogramme déformable qui est typiquement formé par les articulations et le toit et est bien immobilisé tant dans ses positions fermée au dessus de l'habitacle qu'ouverte.To note then a simplicity advantage: the means or movable organs combine several functions: positioning, locking and possible placing under stress of the arms (reduction of the movements of beat or vibration of the roof). The movable means further block the deformable parallelogram which is typically formed by the joints and the roof and is immobilized both in its closed positions above the cockpit and open.

On conseille en outre que les moyens de verrouillage des éléments de toit latéraux, et avantageusement des bras lorsque le toit est installé sur le véhicule, comprennent des tiges qui s'étendent respectivement suivant l'axe Z et un axe Y perpendiculaire au plan vertical, les tiges venant se loger en position verrouillée entre des dents des moyens complémentaires mobiles.It is furthermore advised that the means for locking the lateral roof elements, and advantageously arms when the roof is installed on the vehicle, comprise rods which respectively extend along the Z axis and a Y axis perpendicular to the vertical plane. the rods being housed in the locked position between teeth of the complementary mobile means.

Il s'agit là d'un mode de réalisation simple mécaniquement, facile à fabriquer et fiable (pièces pouvant être obtenues par pliage, découpe et soudage).This is a mechanically simple embodiment, easy to manufacture and reliable (parts can be obtained by folding, cutting and welding).

Dans ce contexte, on conseille d'ailleurs en outre que :

  • lesdits moyens complémentaires mobiles comprennent quatre dents séparées deux à deux par des fentes qui définissent entre elles une croix, les fentes recevant les tiges en position verrouillée,
  • et/ou que l'une des dents participe avantageusement au verrouillage en translation des éléments de toit latéraux en venant se loger dans une cavité définie à leur bord avant.
In this context, we also advise that:
  • said mobile complementary means comprise four teeth separated in pairs by slots which define between them a cross, the slots receiving the rods in the locked position,
  • and / or that one of the teeth advantageously participates in translational locking of the lateral roof elements by being housed in a cavity defined at their front edge.

Pour, par ailleurs, favoriser un maintien optimisé du toit dans ses positions fermée et rangée, ouverte, en évitant, ou du moins limitant, les vibrations et les dommages pouvant lui être causé par certaines pièces annexes, on prévoit avantageusement :

  • qu'une partie avant de l'élément de toit avant comprenne des moyens mobiles de verrouillage qui coopèrent avec des moyens fixes de verrouillage solidaires d'un élément du bâti structurel situé à proximité du pare-brise, de sorte que, dans la première position de l'élément de toit avant, une commande des moyens mobiles de verrouillage provoque un positionnement et un verrouillage des éléments de toit et des bras,
  • voire que des moyens fixes de verrouillage agissant de façon identique auxdits moyens fixes de verrouillage qui opèrent dans la première position du toit, soient disposés sur des éléments du bâti structurel du véhicule à l'arrière de l'habitacle, de façon à positionner et verrouiller l'élément de toit avant dans la deuxième position du toit, par une commande desdits moyens mobiles de verrouillage,
  • et/ou que lesdits moyens fixes de verrouillage agissant dans la seconde position du toit soient disposés selon une géométrie équivalente à celle des moyens de verrouillage agissant dans la première position du toit, pour que l'élément de toit avant soit verrouillé de façon identique dans les deux positions.
In addition, to favor an optimized maintenance of the roof in its closed and row positions, open, avoiding, or at least limiting, the vibrations and the damage that may be caused by certain ancillary parts, it is advantageously provided:
  • a front portion of the front roof element comprises movable locking means which cooperate with fixed locking means secured to a structural frame member located near the windshield, so that in the first position of the front roof element, a control of the movable locking means causes positioning and locking of the roof elements and arms,
  • even that fixed locking means acting identically to said fixed locking means which operate in the first position of the roof, are arranged on elements of the structural frame of the vehicle at the rear of the passenger compartment, in order to position and lock the front roof element in the second position of the roof, by a control of said movable locking means,
  • and / or that said fixed locking means acting in the second position of the roof are arranged in a geometry equivalent to that of the locking means acting in the first position of the roof, so that the front roof element is locked identically in both positions.

Une description encore plus détaillée de l'invention va maintenant être fournie en référence aux dessins d'accompagnement donnés à titre d'exemples et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue partielle schématique en coupe longitudinale d'une partie d'un véhicule convertible montrant en trait plein l'essentiel d'un toit en position fermée, les mêmes parties du toit étant également présentées en position repliée ouverte (trait mixte),
  • la figure 2 est une coupe, complétée par symétrie de l'autre côté de l'axe longitudinal 34 du véhicule, de l'élément de toit arrière, lorsque le toit est fermé, la coupe ayant été faite perpendiculairement à l'axe longitudinal 34 et permettant de constater que l'élément arrière de toit est en plusieurs parties,
  • la figure 3 est une vue partielle en coupe parallèle à celle de la figure 2, plus à l'arrière, à proximité de l'axe transversal arrière d'articulation de l'élément latéral arrière de toit montré sur la figure 1,
  • la figure 4 est une vue agrandie d'une partie du toit, alors qu'il est en position fermée et verrouillée, la vue ayant été faite parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal,
  • la figure 5 est une vue dans le sens de la flèche V de la figure 4,
  • la figure 6 est une vue en perspective de la cornière de verrouillage 49 de la figure 5,
  • la figure 7 est une vue dans le sens de la flèche VII de la figure 5,
  • la figure 8 est une vue de l'élément avant de toit 1 et de l'un des éléments latéraux arrière 2, lorsque le toit est ouvert, replié ici dans le coffre arrière du véhicule, la vue ayant été faite une nouvelle fois dans le sens de l'axe longitudinal 34,
  • la figure 9 montre à nouveau en perspective, selon la même vue que la figure 6, une cornière 49 porteuse d'un croisillon fixe de réception de l'organe de verrouillage mobile arrière de l'élément de toit avant 1.
  • et la figure 10 montre en vue schématique partielle de dessus essentiellement le toit en position fermée, à échelle réduite.
An even more detailed description of the invention will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of example and in which:
  • the figure 1 is a partial schematic view in longitudinal section of a portion of a convertible vehicle showing in full line the essential of a roof in closed position, the same parts of the roof being also presented in folded open position (mixed line),
  • the figure 2 is a section, complemented by symmetry on the other side of the longitudinal axis 34 of the vehicle, of the rear roof element, when the roof is closed, the section having been made perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 34 and allowing note that the rear roof element is in several parts,
  • the figure 3 is a partial sectional view parallel to that of the figure 2 , further to the rear, near the rear transverse axis of articulation of the rear roof side element shown on the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 4 is an enlarged view of a part of the roof, while in the closed and locked position, the view having been made parallel to the longitudinal axis,
  • the figure 5 is a view in the direction of arrow V of the figure 4 ,
  • the figure 6 is a perspective view of the lock angle 49 of the figure 5 ,
  • the figure 7 is a view in the direction of arrow VII of the figure 5 ,
  • the figure 8 is a view of the roof front element 1 and one of the rear side elements 2, when the roof is open, folded here in the trunk of the vehicle, the view having been made again in the direction of the longitudinal axis 34,
  • the figure 9 shows again in perspective, according to the same view as the figure 6 an angle bracket 49 carrying a fixed crosspiece for receiving the movable rear locking member of the front roof element 1.
  • and the figure 10 shows in schematic view from above essentially the roof in the closed position, reduced scale.

Sur les figures 1 et 2, en particulier, on voit un véhicule convertible 30, c'est à dire découvrable, comprenant un bâti structurel 31 appelé également châssis ou caisse et un toit 32 ici escamotable dans le coffre arrière 10 du véhicule.On the figures 1 and 2 , in particular, we see a convertible vehicle 30, that is to say discoverable, comprising a structural frame 31 also called chassis or body and a roof 32 retractable here in the trunk 10 of the vehicle.

Le toit mobile 32 comprend un élément avant rigide 1 relié de façon articulée à un élément central arrière rigide 11. Son extrémité arrière est reliée au châssis 31.The movable roof 32 comprises a rigid front element 1 hingedly connected to a rigid rear central element 11. Its rear end is connected to the frame 31.

Les deux éléments de toit 1 et 11 sont mobiles entre une position relative déployée représentée en trait plein sur la figure 1 dans laquelle ils recouvrent l'habitacle 33 du véhicule et une position relative repliée (traits mixtes, figure 1) dans laquelle ces deux éléments sont ici repliés l'un sur l'autre à l'intérieur du coffre arrière 10 dans une position sensiblement parallèle au capot ou couvercle 7 de ce coffre.The two roof elements 1 and 11 are movable between a deployed relative position shown in FIG. solid line on the figure 1 in which they cover the passenger compartment 33 of the vehicle and a relative position folded (mixed lines, figure 1 ) in which these two elements are here folded one on the other inside the trunk 10 in a position substantially parallel to the cover or cover 7 of the trunk.

De part et d'autre de l'élément central arrière rigide 11, par rapport à l'axe longitudinal 34 du véhicule, se trouvent deux autres éléments 2 rigides latéraux de toit (voir figure 2) reliés à l'élément central 11 par des moyens tels que lors du déplacement de l'élément central 11 vers sa position repliée, les éléments latéraux 2 puissent se dégager de la surface extérieure de l'élément central 11.On either side of the rigid rear central element 11, with respect to the longitudinal axis 34 of the vehicle, are two other rigid lateral roof elements 2 (see FIG. figure 2 ) connected to the central element 11 by means such that during the displacement of the central element 11 towards its folded position, the lateral elements 2 can be disengaged from the outer surface of the central element 11.

L'élément avant de toit 1 est relié vers son bord arrière et de façon articulée suivant l'axe horizontal transversal 4 à chaque élément latéral arrière 2 dont l'extrémité arrière est elle-même articulée parallèlement au châssis 31, en 3.The roof front element 1 is connected to its rear edge and articulated along the transverse horizontal axis 4 to each rear side element 2 whose rear end is itself hinged parallel to the frame 31, 3.

Le déplacement des éléments de toit 1, 2 entre leurs positions ouverte et fermée est commandé au moyen d'un bras 5 articulé au châssis en 6 et à l'élément avant autour de l'axe transversal 9.The displacement of the roof elements 1, 2 between their open and closed positions is controlled by means of an arm 5 articulated to the frame at 6 and to the front element around the transverse axis 9.

Le pivotement du bras 5 est commandé par exemple par un moteur relié à l'axe 3.The pivoting of the arm 5 is controlled for example by a motor connected to the axis 3.

Les articulations 4, 9, 6, 3 forment un parallélogramme déformable.The joints 4, 9, 6, 3 form a deformable parallelogram.

Pour plus de détails, on peut se reporter à FR-A-2 805 218 , pages 3 à 6.For more details, please refer to FR-A-2 805 218 , pages 3 to 6.

L'élément central arrière 11 est donc articulé au bâti 31 suivant un axe horizontal 3 perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal 34 du véhicule.The rear central element 11 is articulated to the frame 31 along a horizontal axis 3 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 34 of the vehicle.

Les éléments latéraux 2 portent chacun à leur extrémité inférieure une patte fixe 12 dont l'extrémité est montée pivotante sur l'axe 3.The lateral elements 2 each carry at their lower end a fixed lug 12 whose end is pivotally mounted on the axis 3.

Le bord arrière de l'élément avant 1 porte latéralement, à son extrémité inférieure correspondante, un doigt 16 formant levier par rapport à l'axe horizontal 15 lors de la rotation de l'élément avant de toit 1 vis-à-vis de l'élément central arrière 11. Le doigt 16 est engagé dans une lumière des éléments 2 qui est allongée sensiblement dans la direction du bord inférieur 2a de l'élément latéral 2 concerné, ce doigt 16 agissant sur l'élément pour le faire pivoter autour de l'axe horizontal 3, lorsque le toit doit rentrer, ici vers le coffre, pour être ouvert.The rear edge of the front element 1 carries laterally, at its corresponding lower end, a finger 16 forming a lever relative to the horizontal axis 15 during the rotation of the roof front element 1 vis-à-vis the rear central element 11. The finger 16 is engaged in a light of the elements 2 which is elongated substantially in the direction of the lower edge 2a of the lateral element 2 concerned, this finger 16 acting on the element to rotate it around the horizontal axis 3, when the roof must return, here to the trunk, to be opened.

Un axe horizontal 20 solidaire de l'élément central arrière 11 permet l'articulation d'une biellette 19 articulée à son autre extrémité (axe horizontal 21, figure 1) sur l'élément latéral arrière 2 correspondant (à gauche ou à droite de l'axe 24, compte tenu de la symétrie de réalisation prévue).A horizontal axis 20 secured to the rear central element 11 allows the articulation of a link 19 articulated at its other end (horizontal axis 21, figure 1 ) on the corresponding rear side element 2 (left or right of the axis 24, given the planned symmetry of embodiment).

Les mouvements de rotation de l'élément central 1 autour de l'axe horizontal 3a et de l'élément avant 1 en 15 entraînent le déplacement des éléments latéraux 2 sensiblement parallèlement à eux-mêmes relativement à l'élément central 11.The rotational movements of the central element 1 about the horizontal axis 3a and the front element 1 at 15 cause the lateral elements 2 to move substantially parallel to themselves relative to the central element 11.

Le bord arrière de l'élément de toit avant 1 porte latéralement, d'un côté et de l'autre, un levier 14 dont l'une des extrémités est articulée à l'élément avant 1 près du bord arrière et de la surface extérieure de celui-ci et dont l'autre extrémité est articulée à l'élément arrière 2, près du bord avant et de la surface intérieure de celui-ci.The rear edge of the front roof element 1 carries laterally, on one side and the other, a lever 14 whose one end is articulated to the front element 1 near the rear edge and the outer surface of the latter and whose other end is articulated to the rear element 2, near the front edge and the inner surface thereof.

L'autre extrémité 14a du levier 14 porte le doigt d'articulation 16 qui est donc engagé dans la lumière précitée allongée sensiblement dans la direction du bord inférieur 2a de l'élément arrière 2 pour guider le déplacement dudit doigt lors du pivotement de cet élément arrière 2 vers sa position ouverte repliée.The other end 14a of the lever 14 carries the hinge pin 16 which is thus engaged in the aforementioned light substantially in the direction of the lower edge 2a of the rear member 2 to guide the movement of said finger during the pivoting of this element back 2 to its folded open position.

L'élément arrière 11 du toit peut ici être considéré comme une lunette arrière bordée latéralement (en position fermée du toit) par les deux éléments latéraux 2 qui forment alors une custode. La lunette arrière 11 peut occuper tout l'espace compris entre les deux éléments latéraux 2.The rear element 11 of the roof can here be considered as a rear window lined laterally (in the closed position of the roof) by the two lateral elements 2 which then form a custode. The rear window 11 can occupy all the space between the two lateral elements 2.

Le bord arrière 11d de la lunette arrière 11 porte latéralement de part et d'autre de l'axe 34, une patte fixe 13 dont l'extrémité est montée pivotante sur l'axe horizontal 3 (figure 3).The rear edge 11d of the rear window 11 carries laterally on either side of the axis 34, a fixed tab 13 whose end is pivotally mounted on the horizontal axis 3 ( figure 3 ).

Ainsi, les moyens de déplacement, notamment 5 et 14, permettent aux éléments latéraux arrière 2 de s'écarter chacun de la surface de contact correspondante, repérée 11a ou 11b sur la figure 2 de l'élément central arrière 11, lors du mouvement du toit de sa position fermée vers sa position ouverte.Thus, the displacement means, in particular 5 and 14, allow the rear side members 2 to separate each of the corresponding contact surface, identified 11a or 11b on the figure 2 of the rear central element 11, during the movement of the roof from its closed position to its open position.

Comme illustré en particulier sur les figures 4 et 5, un bord avant 42 de chaque élément latéral de toit 2 (on imagine la symétrie par rapport à l'axe longitudinal médian 34 du véhicule à partir de la figure 4) comprend des moyens de verrouillage 43 qui coopèrent avec des moyens complémentaires mobiles 45 situés vers l'arrière (ARR) de l'élément de toit avant 1, afin de verrouiller chaque élément latéral 2 de toit avec l'élément de toit avant 1, ceci en rotation autour d'un axe X lorsque l'élément de toit 1 est dans sa position fermée de la figure 4 et en translation suivant un axe Z qui appartient à un plan sensiblement vertical et est sensiblement perpendiculaire à X.As illustrated in particular on Figures 4 and 5 , a front edge 42 of each lateral roof element 2 (one imagines the symmetry with respect to the median longitudinal axis 34 of the vehicle from the figure 4 ) comprises locking means 43 which cooperate with rearwardly movable complementary means 45 (ARR) of the front roof element 1, in order to lock each roof side element 2 with the front roof element 1, this in rotation about an axis X when the roof element 1 is in its closed position of the figure 4 and in translation along an axis Z which belongs to a substantially vertical plane and is substantially perpendicular to X.

On notera que l'axe X est sensiblement parallèle à la direction longitudinale 46 de l'élément de toit 1 à l'endroit de son bord transversal arrière 1a, l'inclinaison par rapport à l'horizontale (et donc à l'axe longitudinal 34 du véhicule) étant fonction de la courbure de l'élément de toit 1 à l'endroit de sa liaison avec l'élément arrière 2, dans cette position fermée du toit. Dans l'exemple, la direction longitudinale 46 constitue également celle de l'élément de toit central arrière 11, compte-tenu de la ligne de raccordement entre les éléments 1 et 11 de toit.Note that the X axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 46 of the roof element 1 at the location of its rear transverse edge 1a, the inclination relative to the horizontal (and therefore to the longitudinal axis 34 of the vehicle) being a function of the curvature of the roof element 1 at the point of its connection with the rear element 2, in this closed position of the roof. In the example, the longitudinal direction 46 is also that of the rear central roof element 11, given the connection line between the elements 1 and 11 roof.

Ainsi, on comprendra que la direction de l'axe Z est globalement perpendiculaire à l'axe X et que cet axe Z appartient à un plan "sensiblement" vertical, compte-tenu des formes actuellement données aux cabriolets. Toutefois, l'angle α de la figure 4 pourrait être beaucoup plus marqué, tout en pouvant bien entendu être nul.Thus, it will be understood that the direction of the Z axis is generally perpendicular to the X axis and that this Z axis belongs to a "substantially" vertical plane, given the forms currently given to cabriolets. However, the angle α of the figure 4 could be much more marked, while of course being able to be null.

Pour assurer ce verrouillage autour de l'axe X, le système de verrouillage 43 comprend deux doigts de verrouillage 43a, 43b coaxiaux (voir la figure 6 pour plus de détail) s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe Z et espacés l'un de l'autre suivant cette direction, en laissant entre eux un espace intermédiaire 47.To ensure this locking around the X axis, the locking system 43 comprises two coaxial locking fingers 43a, 43b (see FIG. figure 6 for more detail) extending parallel to the axis Z and spaced apart from each other in this direction, leaving therebetween an intermediate space 47.

Les deux bouts d'arbres coaxiaux 43a, 43b sont portés par un organe support 49, ici une cornière en U fixée à l'intérieur de chaque élément latéral de toit arrière 2, de part et d'autre de l'axe longitudinal, avec l'ouverture du U dirigée vers l'avant (AVT) et les deux branches 49a, 49b, respectivement supérieure et inférieure, disposées ici parallèlement à, ou suivant, la direction Z, bien qu'un angle non nul pourrait exister si la rupture de pente entre les éléments 1 et 2 était plus marquée que dans l'exemple illustré.The two ends of coaxial shafts 43a, 43b are carried by a support member 49, here a U-shaped bracket fixed inside each rear roof side element 2, on either side of the longitudinal axis, with the opening of the U directed forward (AVT) and the two branches 49a, 49b, respectively upper and lower, arranged here parallel to or following the Z direction, although a non-zero angle could exist if the slope break between the elements 1 and 2 was more marked than in the illustrated example.

Pour le verrouillage et le positionnement du toit (en particulier l'élément de toit avant 1) dans sa position fermée de la figure 4, on va ici utiliser les bras latéraux 5 articulés donc en 6 (voir figure 1) vis-à-vis du bâti structurel 31 du véhicule.For the locking and positioning of the roof (in particular the front roof element 1) in its closed position of the figure 4 , we will here use the articulated lateral arms 5 thus in 6 (see figure 1 ) vis-à-vis the structural frame 31 of the vehicle.

Chaque bras 5 (on imagine la réalisation toujours par symétrie de l'autre côté de l'axe longitudinal médian 34), comprend un organe de verrouillage 51 qui coopère donc avec l'organe de verrouillage 45 mobile de l'élément de toit avant 1, de sorte à verrouiller chacun desdits bras 5, suivant l'axe Z, comme on le voit sur les figures 4 (partiellement) et 5.Each arm 5 (we imagine the embodiment always by symmetry on the other side of the median longitudinal axis 34), comprises a locking member 51 which therefore cooperates with the movable locking member 45 of the front roof element 1 , so as to lock each of said arms 5, along the Z axis, as seen on the figures 4 (partially) and 5.

Dans le mode de réalisation préféré, illustré ici, les organes de verrouillage tant des éléments de toit latéraux 2 (barreaux précités 43a, 43b) que des bras latéraux 5 (organes 27) sont des tiges qui s'étendent respectivement suivant l'axe Z et un axe horizontal Y (voir figure 5) perpendiculaire aux axes précités X et Z, lesdites tiges 43a, 43b et 51 venant se loger en position verrouillée des figures 4 et 5 entre des dents (voir partiellement sur les figures 4 et 5 et plus en détail sur la figure 7) 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d de l'organe complémentaire mobile 45.In the preferred embodiment, illustrated here, the locking members of both side roof members 2 (aforesaid bars 43a, 43b) and side arms 5 (members 27) are rods which extend respectively along the Z axis. and a horizontal axis Y (see figure 5 ) perpendicular to the aforementioned axes X and Z, said rods 43a, 43b and 51 being housed in the locked position of Figures 4 and 5 between teeth (see partially on Figures 4 and 5 and more in detail on the figure 7 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d of the mobile complementary member 45.

Concernant cet organe complémentaire mobile 45, on constate sur la figure 4 qu'il est relié par une articulation horizontale 55 à un bras allongé 149 s'étendant à l'intérieur de l'élément avant du toit 1.As regards this mobile complementary member 45, it can be seen on the figure 4 it is connected by a horizontal hinge 55 to an elongated arm 149 extending inside the front element of the roof 1.

Les deux barres 149, de part et d'autre de l'axe 34, commandées en translation suivant globalement la direction longitudinale de l'élément de toit 1, par au moins un actionneur 151 (moteur ou groupe électrico-hydraulique) dont l'arbre de sortie 153 sont chacune déplacées par une tige 154, via un renvoi d'angle 155, sous la commande de l'arbre de sortie 153 de l'actionneur 151.The two bars 149, on either side of the axis 34, controlled in translation generally along the longitudinal direction of the roof element 1, by at least one actuator 151 (motor or electro-hydraulic unit) of which the output shaft 153 are each displaced by a rod 154, via an angle gear 155, under the control of the output shaft 153 of the actuator 151.

A l'avant, le verrouillage de l'élément de toit 1 est assuré par crochetage.At the front, the locking of the roof element 1 is provided by picking.

On voit en effet sur la figure 4 que, perpendiculairement à son bord transversal avant 1b, l'élément avant de toit 1 présente un crochet de verrouillage 133a.We see indeed on the figure 4 perpendicularly to its front transverse edge 1b, the roof front element 1 has a locking hook 133a.

Cet organe mobile, engage, dans la position verrouillée de la figure 4, un organe complémentaire fixe 141a s'étendant horizontalement et fixé à un bloc 147 appartenant à un élément rigide du bâti structurel proche du pare-brise 130.This movable member engages in the locked position of the figure 4 a fixed complementary member 141a extending horizontally and fixed to a block 147 belonging to a rigid element of the structural frame close to the windshield 130.

En l'espèce, l'élément porteur 137a est une traverse transversale supérieure de baie de pare-brise.In this case, the carrier element 137a is an upper transverse cross member of the windshield bay.

L'organe 141a peut consister en un arceau et définit de toute façon une gâche pour le crochet de verrouillage mobile 133a.The member 141a may consist of a hoop and defines in any case a keeper for the movable locking hook 133a.

Pour son positionnement à l'avant, l'élément de toit 1 comprend en outre des organes d'appui et/ou de centrage qui consistent ici en des barreaux 143a terminés par des boules de centrage venant reposer sur des berceaux tels que 145a.For its positioning at the front, the roof element 1 further comprises support members and / or centering which here consist of bars 143a terminated by centering balls coming to rest on cradles such as 145a.

Chaque berceau est ici réalisé dans la surface supérieure d'un bloc 147, à un niveau d'élévation situé au-dessus du niveau du crochet 133a correspondant.Each cradle is here made in the upper surface of a block 147, at an elevation level located above the level of the hook 133a corresponding.

Ainsi, à l'endroit de son bord avant 1b, l'élément de toit 1 sera, en position verrouillée fermée de la figure 4, retenue vers le haut par les crochets 133a et, vers le bas, par l'appui des moyens d'appui/centrage 143a reposant sur leur berceau de réception.Thus, at its front edge 1b, the roof element 1 will be in the locked locked position of the figure 4 , held upwardly by the hooks 133a and downwardly by the support of the support / centering means 143a resting on their cradle reception.

Comme on l'aura noté sur la figure 4, la manoeuvre des crochets 133a s'effectue par l'intermédiaire d'un système de levier tel que 159a articulé sur le bras 149 correspondant.As will be noted on the figure 4 , the operation of the hooks 133a is effected by means of a lever system such as 159a articulated on the corresponding arm 149.

Avantageusement, le verrouillage à l'avant, via les crochets 133a et à l'arrière, via les moyens de verrouillage 43 et les organes mobiles 45, s'effectue de façon coordonnée, et de préférence concomitamment.Advantageously, the locking at the front, via the hooks 133a and at the rear, via the locking means 43 and the movable members 45, is performed in a coordinated manner, and preferably concomitantly.

Revenant sur la figure 7, on constate qu'avantageusement chacun des organes mobiles 45 complémentaires de la croix formée par les tiges réunies 43a, 43b, 51 comportent donc quatre dents 53a, ...53d séparées deux à deux par des fentes, telles que 57 pour l'une d'entre elle sur la figure 5 et qui forment entre elles une croix.Returning to the figure 7 it is found that advantageously each of the movable members 45 complementary to the cross formed by the combined rods 43a, 43b, 51 thus comprise four teeth 53a, ... 53d separated in pairs by slots, such as 57 for one of her on the figure 5 and which form between them a cross.

Ces fentes reçoivent bien sûr les tiges 43a, 43b et 51, suivant donc les deux directions Z et Y en position verrouillée.These slots of course receive the rods 43a, 43b and 51, thus following the two directions Z and Y in the locked position.

On notera encore que la dent 53a qui s'étend suivant donc un axe longitudinal (voir figure 4) participe en outre au verrouillage en translation suivant l'axe Z, de l'élément de toit latéral 2 concerné, en venant se loger dans une cavité 59 pratiquée vers l'extrémité avant de cet élément 2, à proximité donc de son bord transversal 42.Note also that the tooth 53a which extends along a longitudinal axis (see figure 4 ) also participates in locking in translation along the Z axis of the lateral roof element 2 concerned, coming to be housed in a cavity 59 made towards the front end of this element 2, so close to its transverse edge 42.

Avec un tel système de verrouillage, il va être possible, dans la position fermée de l'élément de toit avant 1, d'assurer une commande de l'ensemble des organes de verrouillage mobile, tant à l'avant qu'à l'arrière de cet élément de toit 1, telle que cette commande provoque le positionnement et le verrouillage des éléments de toit 1 et 2 et des bras latéraux 5.With such a locking system, it will be possible, in the closed position of the roof element before 1, to ensure control of all mobile locking members, both at the front and rear of this roof element 1, as this command causes the positioning and locking of the roof elements 1 and 2 and side arms 5.

Pour le verrouillage en position ouverte, repliée du toit 32 comme sur la figure 8, où le toit est donc rangé dans le coffre arrière 10, on retrouve des organes de verrouillage fixes assurant des conditions de verrouillage identiques à celles en position fermée, de façon une nouvelle fois à pouvoir avantageusement assurer un positionnement et un verrouillage de l'élément de toit avant 1 grâce à une commande de l'ensemble des organes de verrouillage mobiles avant 133a et arrière 45.For locking in the open position, folded roof 32 as on the figure 8 , where the roof is stored in the trunk 10, there are fixed locking members providing latching conditions identical to those in the closed position, so again to be able to advantageously ensure positioning and locking of the element front roof 1 with a control of all the movable locking members 133a and rear 45.

On notera en outre en comparant les figures 1 et 8, que les organes fixes complémentaires de verrouillage liés au bâti structurel 31 et sur lesquels viennent donc se prendre les éléments mobiles 133a et 45 sont disposés selon une géométrie équivalente à celle des organes de verrouillage fixes qui reçoivent les mêmes éléments mobiles lorsque le toit est fermé.We will also note by comparing the figures 1 and 8 , that the complementary fixed locking members connected to the structural frame 31 and on which are therefore taken the moving elements 133a and 45 are arranged in a geometry equivalent to that of the fixed locking members which receive the same moving elements when the roof is closed .

Ainsi, on retrouve, à l'avant, face à chaque crochet 133a et pion de centrage/appui 143a, la gâche 141a et le berceau 145a du bloc 147, lequel est rigidement lié à un élément en regard du bâti 31.Thus, one finds, in front, facing each hook 133a and centering pin / support 143a, the striker 141a and the cradle 145a of the block 147, which is rigidly connected to an element facing the frame 31.

A l'arrière, et sensiblement suivant un axe parallèle à l'axe longitudinal 34, on retrouve une nouvelle fois une cornière 49, avec ses deux retours supérieur 49a et inférieur 49b, ici disposées sensiblement horizontalement.At the rear, and substantially along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 34, there is again an angle bracket 49, with its two upper returns 49a and lower 49b, here disposed substantially horizontally.

Par son tronçon de liaison 49c, la cornière 49 est fixée à un élément du bâti 31 (voir figure 8) vers l'avant, donc face à l'organe mobile correspondant 45, chaque cornière 49 présente une croix fixe de verrouillage 143.By its connecting section 49c, the bracket 49 is fixed to an element of the frame 31 (see figure 8 ) forwardly, so in front of the corresponding movable member 45, each bracket 49 has a fixed locking cross 143.

Les deux branches verticales 143a, 143b de la croix 143 s'étendent ainsi suivant une direction parallèle à l'axe Z et sont fixées à leur extrémité respectivement haute et basse aux branches 49a et 49b, respectivement.The two vertical branches 143a, 143b of the cross 143 thus extend in a direction parallel to the Z axis and are fixed at their end respectively high and low to the branches 49a and 49b, respectively.

Perpendiculairement, suivant une direction parallèle à l'axe Y, donc sensiblement horizontalement et perpendiculairement à la direction longitudinale 34 du véhicule, les deux branches transversales 143c 143d de la croix 143 s'interrompent sensiblement au droit des bords latéraux du tronçon central 49c de la cornière 49.Perpendicularly, in a direction parallel to the Y axis, therefore substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34 of the vehicle, the two transverse branches 143c 143d of the cross 143 are interrupted substantially to the right of the lateral edges of the central section 49c of the angle 49.

Ainsi, une fois positionné sensiblement dans la même orientation que lorsqu'il est fermé, l'élément avant de toit 1 va être amené, en particulier par ses bras latéraux 5, jusque dans sa position repliée de la figure 8 chaque/l'actionneur 151 ayant placé les organes mobiles 133a et 45 dans leur état escamoté pour laisser le toit s'engager entre les éléments fixes 147 et 49, à l'avant et à l'arrière.Thus, once positioned substantially in the same orientation as when it is closed, the roof front element 1 will be brought, in particular by its lateral arms 5, into its folded position of the figure 8 each / the actuator 151 having placed the movable members 133a and 45 in their retracted state to let the roof engage between the fixed elements 147 and 49, at the front and rear.

Une fois les organes d'appui avant 143a de l'élément 1 en appui sur leur berceau récepteur 145a, les actionneurs 151 vont déployer longitudinalement les moyens de verrouillage mobiles de l'élément 1, de manière à réaliser le crochetage avant par les moyens de verrouillage 133a et le verrouillage arrière par la translation axiale de l'organe 45 dont les dents vont s'engager dans les quatre espaces laissés libres entre les barreaux de la croix fixe 143 (flèche V de la figure 8).Once the front support members 143a of the element 1 rest on their receiving cradle 145a, the actuators 151 will extend longitudinally the movable locking means of the element 1, so as to perform the front hooking by means of 133a lock and the rear locking by the axial translation of the member 45 whose teeth will engage in the four spaces left free between the bars of the fixed cross 143 (arrow V of the figure 8 ).

Le déverrouillage s'opérera de façon inverse.Unlocking will operate in reverse.

Une fois le toit 32 ainsi replié dans le coffre 10, le capot 7 pourra être refermé, par rotation autour de son axe arrière transversal 7a bien entendu placé de manière à laisser au toit une place suffisante pour pouvoir entrer et sortir du coffre, même si d'autres véhicules qu'un véhicule à coffre arrière peuvent être concernés par l'invention.Once the roof 32 thus folded into the trunk 10, the cover 7 can be closed, by rotation about its transverse rear axis 7a of course placed so as to leave the roof a sufficient space to enter and exit the trunk, even if other vehicles that a vehicle with a trunk can be concerned by the invention.

Sur la figure 10, on constate qu'en position fermée du toit 32, l'élément de toit arrière central 11 vient en contact, par son bord transversal avant 11c avec le bord transversal arrière 1a de l'élément de toit avant 1; de même pour le bord transversal 42 de chaque élément de toit latéral arrière 2. On constate également que l'élément de toit central arrière 11 est articulé sur le bâti 31, vers son extrémité arrière 11d, autour de l'axe transversal horizontal 3.On the figure 10 it can be seen that in the closed position of the roof 32, the central rear roof element 11 comes into contact with its front transverse edge 11c with the rear transverse edge 1a of the front roof element 1; likewise for the transverse edge 42 of each rear side roof element 2. It is also noted that the rear central roof element 11 is articulated on the frame 31, towards its rear end 11d, about the horizontal transverse axis 3.

Pour le verrouillage entre les éléments 1 et 2 en position fermée, on notera que la cornière 49 avec ses doigts de verrouillage 43a, 43b de la figure 6, pourrait être remplacée par la cornière avec la croix fixe 143 de la figure 9, la branche latérale 143d étant raccourcie ou supprimée pour laisser se loger la tige transversale 51 entre les dents de l'organe 45.For the locking between the elements 1 and 2 in the closed position, it will be noted that the bracket 49 with its locking fingers 43a, 43b of the figure 6 , could be replaced by the angle with the fixed cross 143 of the figure 9 , the side branch 143d being shortened or removed to let the transverse rod 51 fit between the teeth of the member 45.

Ci-avant, chaque crochet 133a présente une ouverture tournée vers le haut. Toutes les orientations pour les ouvertures sont toutefois possibles, pourvu qu'elles soient tournées vers les moyens de centrage et/ou d'appui 143a, pour un blocage vers le haut et vers le bas (ou inversement) de l'élément 1, respectivement, dans la position fermée verrouillée de la figure 4. Un blocage de l'élément 1 avantageusement légèrement sous tension, longitudinalement, est alors également conseillé.Above, each hook 133a has an opening facing upwards. All the orientations for the openings are however possible, provided that they are turned towards the centering and / or support means 143a, for blocking upwards and downwards (or vice versa) of the element 1, respectively , in the locked locked position of the figure 4 . Blocking the element 1 advantageously slightly under tension, longitudinally, is then also recommended.

Le verrouillage et l'appui/le centrage du toit présenté ci-avant étant typiquement dédoublé de part et d'autre de l'axe longitudinal médian 34, les commandes et mécanisme de verrouillage pourraient être séparées de part et d'autre de cet axe (plusieurs actionneurs 151, tiges 149...). On pourra également envisager d'autres types de dispositifs de commande comme par exemple des dispositifs à câbles de traction/poussée.The locking and support / centering of the roof presented above being typically split on either side of the median longitudinal axis 34, the controls and locking mechanism could be separated on either side of this axis (several actuators 151, rods 149 ...). Other types of control devices may also be envisaged, such as traction / push cable devices.

Pour le toit replié, des positions inclinées par rapport à l'horizontale, voire verticales, sont évidemment possibles grâce à un positionnement adéquat des moyens complémentaires de verrouillage.For the folded roof, positions that are inclined relative to the horizontal, or even vertical, are obviously possible thanks to an adequate positioning of the complementary locking means.

Claims (9)

  1. A convertible vehicle having a longitudinal axis, a front and a rear, and comprising:
    - a passenger compartment (33),
    - a structural frame (31),
    - a folding roof (32) comprising a rigid front element (1) articulated to a rigid rear central element (11) having a rear end (11c) towards which it is articulated to the structural frame (31), said front and said rear central roof elements having a longitudinal direction (46) and each having a transverse front edge (1b, 11c) and a transverse rear edge (1a, 11d) which are longitudinally opposed, said front and said rear central roof elements being movable between a first relative deployed position in which the transverse rear edge (1a) of the front roof element (1) and the transverse front edge (11b) of the rear central roof element (11) substantially come into contact, said roof elements thus at least partly covering the passenger compartment, and a second relative folded position in which they are folded towards one another, thus uncovering at least a part of the passenger compartment, the rear central element of the roof being laterally attached, on either side of its longitudinal direction, to two rigid rear lateral roof elements (2) which move away from a contact surface (11a, 11b) of the rear central element when the roof moves from its first into its second position, characterized in that a front edge (42) of each of the lateral roof elements (2) has locking means (43; 43a, 43b), which cooperate with complementary movable means (45) disposed towards the rear of the front roof element, so as to lock each lateral roof element to the front roof element, in rotation about an X axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the front roof element when it is in its first position and in translation along a Z axis which lies on a substantially vertical plane and is substantially perpendicular to the X axis.
  2. A vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the locking mechanism about the X axis comprises two locking assemblies (43a, 43b) disposed substantially along the Z axis and at a distance from one another.
  3. A vehicle according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the front roof element (1) is articulated to arms (5) disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis (34) of the vehicle, each of the arms being articulated (6) to the structural frame (31) of said vehicle, and each of said arms including locking means (51) which cooperate with said complementary movable locking means (45) of the front roof element (1) so as to lock each of the arms substantially along the Z axis.
  4. A vehicle according to Claim 3, characterized in that the locking means of the lateral roof elements (2) and arms (5) comprise rods (43a, 43b; 51) which extend respectively along the Z axis and a Y axis which is substantially perpendicular to the vertical plane, the rods coming to rest in the locked position between teeth of the complementary movable means (53a, 53b, 53c, 53d).
  5. A vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said complementary movable means comprise four teeth (53a, 53b, 53c, 53d) separated in pairs by slots (57) which together define a cross, the slots receiving the rods in the locked position.
  6. A vehicle according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that one of the teeth (53a) is involved in the locking in translation of the lateral roof elements (2) along the Z axis, by coming to rest in a recess (59) formed at the respective front edge (42).
  7. A vehicle according to Claim 3 or one of the related Claims 4 to 6, characterised in that a front portion (1b) of the front roof element (1) includes movable locking means (133a) which cooperate with fixed locking means (141a) firmly attached to an element (137a) of the structural frame (31) located close to the windscreen, in such a way that, in the first position of the front roof element, a control of the movable locking means results in positioning and locking of the roof elements and arms (5).
  8. A vehicle according to Claim 7, characterized in that fixed locking means (141a, 143) acting in an identical way to said fixed locking means (141a, 43, 51) which operate in the first position of the roof, are disposed on elements of the structural frame (31) of the vehicle at the rear of the passenger compartment in such a way as to position and lock the front roof element (1) in the second position of the roof, by a control of said movable locking means (133a, 45).
  9. A vehicle according to Claim 7, characterized in that said fixed locking means (141a, 143) acting in the second position of the roof are disposed according to a geometry equivalent to that of the fixed locking means (141a, 43, 51) acting in the first position of the roof, so that the locking conditions of the front roof element (1) are identical in the two positions.
EP05772909A 2004-05-25 2005-05-20 System for locking a roof which can be folded into a plurality of elements, and corresponding vehicle Not-in-force EP1748910B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0405621A FR2870788B1 (en) 2004-05-25 2004-05-25 FOLDING ROOF VERTICAL SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE ELEMENTS AND VEHICLES THEREFOR
PCT/FR2005/001268 WO2006000672A1 (en) 2004-05-25 2005-05-20 System for locking a roof which can be folded into a plurality of elements, and corresponding vehicle

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1748910A1 EP1748910A1 (en) 2007-02-07
EP1748910B1 true EP1748910B1 (en) 2011-09-14

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05772909A Not-in-force EP1748910B1 (en) 2004-05-25 2005-05-20 System for locking a roof which can be folded into a plurality of elements, and corresponding vehicle

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1748910B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE524338T1 (en)
FR (1) FR2870788B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006000672A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2900101A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2007-10-26 Heuliez Sa Retractable roof locking system for e.g. car, has lock pin articulated between unlocking position and locking position, in which pin exerts locking force on strike plate to move lateral roof elements towards covering position
FR2904266A1 (en) * 2006-07-27 2008-02-01 Heuliez Sa Retractable roof locking device for e.g. car, has locking finger mounted on support fixed to front roof element between unlocked position and locked position in which finger exerts force along vertical axis on strike
DE602007004097D1 (en) 2006-04-21 2010-02-11 Heuliez S AND WITH SUCH A SYSTEM EQUIPPED VEHICLE
FR2900102B1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2008-07-04 Heuliez Sa DEVICE FOR LOCKING AND POSITIONING A ROOF THAT CAN BE FOLLOWED ON A PART OF THE BODY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE
DE102007015705A1 (en) 2007-04-02 2008-10-09 Wilhelm Karmann Gmbh Hood for a motor vehicle, in particular convertible vehicle, with a foldable roof
DE102008018672A1 (en) * 2008-04-14 2009-10-15 Wilhelm Karmann Gmbh Hood for cabriolet vehicle, has driving device for displacing locking element between position cooperating with counter locking element and position releasing counter element, and locking device connected to hood linkage element

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FI102468B (en) * 1997-06-16 1998-12-15 Valmet Automotive Oy Open car with a hard roof construction that can be opened
FR2791007B1 (en) * 1999-03-16 2001-05-25 France Design FOLDABLE ROOF FOR DISCOVERABLE VEHICLE
FR2805218B1 (en) 2000-02-21 2002-07-19 France Design RETRACTABLE ROOF IN THE REAR TRUNK OF A VEHICLE, THIS ROOF COMPRISING A PIVOTING REAR WINDOW
FR2805219A1 (en) * 2000-02-21 2001-08-24 France Design Retractable roof design for vehicle, has design which ensures that valuable space is not lost in the boot when the roof is retracted into the boot
FR2820692B1 (en) * 2001-02-14 2003-04-04 France Design RETRACTABLE ROOF WITH LOCKING DEVICE IMPROVING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ROOF
DE10147015C2 (en) * 2001-09-25 2003-08-07 Cts Fahrzeug Dachsysteme Gmbh Multi-part hardtop vehicle roof
FI20021236A0 (en) * 2002-06-24 2002-06-24 Valmet Automotive Oy Openable hardtop for convertible and convertible
DE10231838B4 (en) * 2002-07-12 2004-12-16 Webasto Vehicle Systems International Gmbh Retractable vehicle roof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006000672A1 (en) 2006-01-05
EP1748910A1 (en) 2007-02-07
FR2870788B1 (en) 2006-07-14
FR2870788A1 (en) 2005-12-02
ATE524338T1 (en) 2011-09-15

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